Actress Shivani Nagaram Reminisces Beloved Bathukamma Traditions

In the lead-up to Bathukamma, the nine-day state festival of Telangana celebrated during Navratri, actress Shivani Nagaram shares her cherished childhood memories of this vibrant flower festival. Shivani, who recently made a splash in Tollywood with her performance in Little Hearts, grew up in Chikkadpally and vividly remembers the excitement of racing through the streets at dawn to collect flowers and mango leaves, before returning home to decorate the Bathukammas with her mother and grandmother.

Shivani describes Bathukamma as more than just a festival - it is a "living memory" of her childhood, a deep-rooted part of her identity. She fondly recalls the family rituals, such as her mother hand-stitching a saree for the Durga idol each day, following the color of the day and adorning the goddess with jewelry. Shivani also looks forward to the special prasadams prepared across the nine-day celebration, particularly the parva-nnam, a simple dish made with rice, jaggery, and cardamom.

The actress emphasizes how Bathukamma brings her entire family together, with her grandparents visiting, cousins coming home, and everyone visiting the temple and feasting together. While the celebration has evolved from being centered at home to now involving the entire neighborhood, the sense of warmth and togetherness remains the same for Shivani. She believes the festival is a powerful reminder of resilience and new beginnings, with the Devi within giving strength and keeping the fire alive.